📍 Oman

OMAN ROAD TRIP: WADIS, DESERT CAMPS AND ANCIENT FORTS

Q: What weather should you expect?

Cool Season (October-March): Perfect weather with comfortable temperatures (20-30°C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for desert exploration and outdoor activities. Peak tourist season. Winter Peak (December-February): Most comfortable temperatures (18-26°C) with pleasant evenings perfect for cultural exploration and desert camping. Highest accommodation rates but best weather. Shoulder Season (March-April, October-November): Good weather with moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. Excellent balance of comfort and value. Hot Season (May-September): Very hot temperatures (35-48°C) making outdoor activities challenging, though coastal areas more bearable. Lowest prices but extreme heat limits activities.

Emerald wadis cutting through amber canyons, desert camps under infinite starry skies, incense rising from souks. Oman, Arabia's soul.

≈ 12

Days

1258

Stops

📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through Muscat between souks and grand mosque, then dive into Wadi Shab's clear pools deep in the canyon. Then head to Wahiba Sands for a night under the stars, before reaching Nizwa and its fort. Between water, desert and stone, Oman reveals a gentle Arabia, scented with incense and light.

Muscat: grand mosque white marble
Wadi Shab: emerald pools hidden
Wahiba Sands: desert camp starlight
Nizwa: fort souks silver frankincense

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day

Muscat

grand mosque mutrah souk corniche elegance

7 photos

Day 1

🔍

Discover

Grand Mosque of Sultan Qaboos (exterior, prayer halls, courtyard and chandelier)

Mutrah: corniche, souk and Fort Mutrah (panoramas)

Old Muscat: Al Alam palace (exteriors), Jalali and Mirani forts (exteriors)

Al Qurum Beach: sunset walk

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 158.8 km

Travel time: 1h59

Day

Tiwi

wadi shab turquoise pools canyon swim

10 photos

Day 2

🔍

Discover

Bandar Al Khayran: coastal viewpoints near Qantab

Hawiyat Najm Park (Bimmah Sinkhole)

Tiwi: beach and coastal hamlets

🎯

Activities

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Muscat ➜ Bimmah ➜ Tiwi route (photo stops)

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 165 km

Travel time: 2h

Day

Sur

dhow shipyard turtle beach fishing heritage

10 photos

Day 3

🔍

Discover

Wadi Shab: approach walk, swimming in pools and cave

Sur: corniche, dhow shipyards and Al Ayjah lighthouse

🎯

Activities

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Boat crossing at the entrance to Wadi Shab

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 60 km

Travel time: 55min

Day

Sur

dhow shipyard turtle beach fishing heritage

10 photos

Day 4

🔍

Discover

Wadi Tiwi: valley road, villages of Mibam and falajs

Al Ayjah: historic quarter and watchtower

🎯

Activities

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Walks and swimming breaks in the pools of Wadi Tiwi

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 104.6 km

Travel time: 1h45

Day

Wahiba Sands

bedouin camp orange dunes starlit silence

7 photos

Day 5

🔍

Discover

Wadi Bani Khalid: turquoise pools and main falaj

Sharqiya Sands: dunes at sunset

🎯

Activities

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Off-road/sand driving from Al Wasil to the heart of the dunes (with 4x4)

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Walking on dune ridges and stargazing

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 205 km

Travel time: 3h15

Day

Nizwa

round fort silver market date palms

9 photos

Day 6

🔍

Discover

Nizwa: circular fort and old souks (date palms, silver, pottery)

Old town of Nizwa: traditional quarter and ramparts

🎯

Activities

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Desert route ➜ Nizwa via Bidiyah and Izki

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 180 km

Travel time: 2h30

Day

Nizwa

round fort silver market date palms

9 photos

Day 7

🔍

Discover

Wadi Ghul (Grand Canyon of Oman): viewpoints

Jebel Shams: Balcony Walk (trail W6 on the ledge)

Misfat Al Abriyeen: oasis village and terraced aflaj

🎯

Activities

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Mountain driving: Nizwa ➜ Jebel Shams plateau ➜ Misfat ➜ return

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 170 km

Travel time: 3h15

Day

Muscat

grand mosque mutrah souk corniche elegance

7 photos

Day 8

🔍

Discover

Sayq Plateau (Jebel Akhdar): terraces and rose gardens

Wadi Bani Habib: ruins of abandoned villages

🎯

Activities

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Controlled ascent (4x4 checkpoint) to the plateau, viewpoints and short walks

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 190 km

Travel time: 3h45

Day

Muscat

grand mosque mutrah souk corniche elegance

7 photos

Day 9

🔍

Discover

Mutrah Corniche: morning stroll and fish market

Al Qurum Beach: relaxation and swimming

🎯

Activities

→

Boat trip from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha: dolphin watching and snorkeling at Bandar Khayran

🚗

Next stop

Distance: 25 km

Travel time: 35min

Day

Muscat

grand mosque mutrah souk corniche elegance

7 photos

Day 10

🔍

Discover

Muscat: National Museum or Oman Across Ages Museum (your choice) for Omani heritage

Old port of Sidab and walk to Riyam Park district (view over the bay)

🎯

Activities

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Free time for last handicraft purchases (frankincense, silver, decorative khanjars)

🗺️ Itinerary map

🛡️ Travel advice - Oman

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Cool Season (October-March): Perfect weather with comfortable temperatures (20-30°C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for desert exploration and outdoor activities. Peak tourist season.

Winter Peak (December-February): Most comfortable temperatures (18-26°C) with pleasant evenings perfect for cultural exploration and desert camping. Highest accommodation rates but best weather.

Shoulder Season (March-April, October-November): Good weather with moderate temperatures, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. Excellent balance of comfort and value.

Hot Season (May-September): Very hot temperatures (35-48°C) making outdoor activities challenging, though coastal areas more bearable. Lowest prices but extreme heat limits activities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Oman?

Arabian peninsula gem with ancient heritage, stunning landscapes, and authentic culture. Experience traditional souks, desert adventures, and genuine Arabian hospitality. The country offers cultural authenticity with natural beauty and historical significance. Oman provides authentic Arabian experiences with natural wonders and cultural preservation.